Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Penang and Beijing. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Penang or Beijing?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Penang and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Penang and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Beijing? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Beijing $7.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $38
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $43
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $65
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $72
- Arrival Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport(PEK) to Hotel: $55
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Acrobat Show Night Tour with Private Transfer and Optional Seats: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Penang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPenang $33Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.93
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.67
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.11
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.17
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.27
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Summer Palace Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Temple of Heaven Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
- Summer Palace Ticket: $9.90
- Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Beijing $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Beijing, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Beijing, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Penang or Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Penang is around the same temperature as Beijing in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (56°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Penang or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Beijing. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Penang is much warmer than Beijing in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Penang
| Penang | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.